Residents in northern Brisbane and Moreton Bay will soon have access to free, walk-in mental health support with the opening of four new Medicare Mental Health Centres in Caboolture, Redcliffe, Strathpine, and Brisbane’s inner north.
The centres will provide immediate support, assessments, and ongoing care for individuals experiencing mental health distress. Staffed by a multidisciplinary team—including mental health social workers, nurses, and peer support workers—the centres will offer comprehensive care and support across extended hours.
As part of a national initiative, the Albanese Government is establishing 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia, with 19 locations in Queensland alone. This expansion is aimed at addressing the growing demand for accessible mental health services in local communities.
To further improve access to specialized care, the government is investing an additional $29.9 million to ensure psychologists and psychiatrists are available on call at each centre.
The centres are co-funded by both the Federal Government, which will contribute $5.3 million, and the Queensland Government, which will invest $3.2 million. All four centres are expected to be fully operational by July 2025.
Quotes from Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to improving access to mental health services through the opening of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres nationwide,” said Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride. “These new centres in North Brisbane and Moreton Bay will provide Queenslanders with much-needed support, closer to home.”
“The roll-out of these centres is a key part of our plan to strengthen Medicare and ensure that more Australians can access the mental health care they need, when they need it.”
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